Best Dispersed Camping near Laughlin, NV
The desert landscape surrounding Laughlin, Nevada features numerous dispersed camping opportunities on public lands, with Lake Mohave - Nevada Telephone Cove standing out as a popular waterfront option. Located within Lake Mead National Recreation Area, this site offers approximately 15-20 camping spots along the shoreline with basic amenities including vault toilets and a garbage dumpster. Across the Colorado River in Arizona, Old Kingman Highway Dispersed Camping provides primitive sites with level areas suitable for various camping setups. Arrowhead Cove offers more secluded camping with water access, though reaching it requires navigating rugged roads. Most sites in the region are on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) property or within the National Recreation Area, providing free camping options within 30 minutes of Laughlin's casino district.
Road conditions vary significantly throughout the area, with many sites requiring travel on unpaved roads. As one camper noted about Telephone Cove, "Four mile unpaved road to get down to the lake... Road is recently grated and other than a little bit of noise until 10:00 p.m., a great place for a night or several." High clearance vehicles are recommended for accessing more remote locations like Arrowhead Cove, where visitors report "a rugged and steeply graded access road" with signs recommending 4x4 vehicles. Most dispersed sites enforce a 14-day stay limit. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F, making spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons. Flash flooding can occur during monsoon season (July-September), particularly in wash areas. Cell service is generally available near main roads but becomes spotty in canyons and remote areas.
Waterfront camping receives consistently positive reviews, with Lake Mohave sites being particularly sought after. One visitor described Arrowhead Cove as having "the clearest water I've ever seen" with abundant wildlife including "Gila monsters, tortoise, mules and many more creatures." Stargazing opportunities are exceptional due to minimal light pollution. Many sites lack amenities, requiring campers to pack in all supplies including water and pack out all waste. Several reviewers mention afternoon winds as a consideration when setting up camp. Weekend traffic from off-highway vehicles (OHVs) increases at some sites, particularly those designated for such use. While most areas are well-maintained, some visitors report trash issues at certain locations, emphasizing the importance of Leave No Trace practices to preserve these public lands.